A tape of early NOEL GALLAGHER songs was expected to be the highlight of a Christie's auction in London this morning, but the songs failed to fetch a high price. The eight songs were written and recorded by Noel Gallagher in the '80s, before OASIS was formed. In 1988, Gallagher gave the only tape to a friend, who this year decided to put the songs up for auction. The tape received a high bid of about $8,000 before being taken off the block. The day before the sale, a Christie's spokesperson was hopeful the Gallagher material would be as valuable as BEATLES souvenirs.